Ghost Town Wednesday: Swastika, New Mexico

Today, this would be considered an unfortunate name for a town, ghostly or otherwise. Believe it or not, years ago the swastika symbol was widely used. It was also used by Native American tribes like the Navajos, Hopis, Apaches and others (although later abandoned). The 45th Infantry Division of the United States military used the symbol until the 1930’s. Apparently, it was in wide use in the state of New Mexico, and not just by the Native Americans.

Across the United States, government buildings (post offices, etc.) included the symbol in floor tiles. The Albuquerque federal building constructed in 1930, and now on the National Register of Historic Places, featured radiator grates in the foyer which consist of several swastika blocks.

NOTE: This article has been SNIPPED. Why? Digging History is now a monthly digital (PDF) magazine. This article will be included in a future edition of Digging History Magazine. Check out the latest issue here: www.digginghistorymag.com or try a subscription here. Want to TRY OUT the magazine? Click the magazine link in the previous sentence, then scroll to the bottom of any page and provide your email and Subscribe. A free issue will be coming your way soon!